Lladro Lady with Parasol "Aranjuez" (#4497)

Lladró Aranjuez Little Lady Figurine – Model #4497
Gloss finish, retired in 1996

Overview
Lladró’s “Aranjuez Little Lady” figurine, known in Spanish as Damita Aranjuez, portrays a refined young woman in elegant 19th-century attire. Crafted in glazed porcelain with soft pastel tones, she stands gracefully in a powder-blue gown and bonnet, holding a delicate parasol in her right hand. This piece embodies Lladró’s romantic sensibilities and dedication to Spanish cultural heritage.

• Finish: Gloss
• Dimensions (H x W x L): 12¼" x 6½" x 3"
• Original Box Included: No
• Imperfections: None
• Retired: Yes (1996)

Background & Inspiration
The figurine’s name references Aranjuez, a historic Spanish city known for its royal gardens and palace. Once reserved exclusively for Spanish royalty, Aranjuez evokes images of aristocratic leisure, springtime strolls, and genteel traditions. Lladró’s piece reflects this cultural elegance through the figure’s attire, posture, and accessories, particularly the parasol – a symbol of delicate sophistication.

The figure captures the essence of a well-bred lady on a sunlit afternoon, her serene expression and flowing dress evoking the charm of a bygone era. As with many Lladró creations, “Aranjuez Little Lady” expresses themes of grace, femininity, and timeless beauty – hallmark traits of the brand’s classic romantic style.

Design & Sculptor
Sculpted by Vicente Martínez, a noted Lladró artist, the figurine demonstrates a masterful balance of realism and idealism. The young lady wears a tiered, ruffled gown in light blue, with lace-trimmed details and a pink sash. Her white bonnet is tied beneath her chin, and she holds a porcelain parasol that completes her poised silhouette.

The artistry lies in the subtle details: the delicate folds of the gown, the intricate hemline, the ribbon accents, and the tranquil, downcast eyes of the subject. Martínez’s sculpting captures a sense of refined motion, as if the figure has paused mid-stroll. Collectors admire the piece for its lifelike yet dreamlike portrayal – a quality that defines many of Lladró’s most cherished works.

Release & Production History
“Aranjuez Little Lady” was first introduced by Lladró in 1974 and remained in production until 1996. During its 22-year run, it was part of a broader category of “elegant ladies” with parasols – a recurring and popular theme in Lladró’s catalog.

Two surface finishes were produced:

• Gloss finish (Catalog #01004879): Most widely available and collected

• Matte/bisque finish (Catalog #01014879): Rarer, retired earlier in 1991

Both versions share the same sculpt and size, but the matte edition features a velvety, unglazed surface for a softer, antique feel. The glossy version, by contrast, has a translucent glaze that enhances the color palette and gives the piece a luminous sheen.

The figurine was not a limited edition but was treated with the same high standards of design and hand-crafting. Its original retail price in the 1970s was modest, but values increased over the years, particularly after its retirement. Today, it is considered a classic among Lladró collectors, with higher value assigned to examples with the parasol intact and in excellent condition, which this one is.

Craftsmanship & Notable Details
Every Lladró figurine is handmade in Valencia, Spain, using proprietary hard-paste porcelain. For “Aranjuez Little Lady,” the process began with Martínez’s original clay model. From there, artisans created molds and cast the piece in sections – especially the fragile parasol, often reinforced with a metal rod.

Each figure was hand-painted using soft pastel tones. The signature light-blue gown features darker blue trim and pink accents. The bonnet, collar, and parasol are rendered in delicate whites and soft pinks. A final gloss glaze (for glazed versions) was applied and kiln-fired to achieve the smooth, glass-like surface.

Collectors appreciate the figurine’s technical complexity: the fine ruffles, thin parasol stem, and detailed facial expression all showcase Lladró’s mastery of porcelain art. The figurine bears the official Lladró backstamp and incised model number on the underside, along with the sculptor’s mark – confirming its authenticity.

Collectibility Notes
Due to the parasol’s fragility, many vintage pieces are found with missing or repaired parasols. Original examples with the parasol fully intact are especially prized. The parasol itself – a thin rod topped by a disk – is a marvel of porcelain engineering and reflects Lladró’s ability to push the limits of the medium.

“Aranjuez Little Lady” remains a beloved piece for collectors who admire Lladró’s romantic figures. Its association with Spanish nobility and the scenic charm of Aranjuez adds cultural depth to its artistic appeal. Whether displayed alone or among other elegant ladies in the Lladró collection, it brings a sense of serene beauty and historical nostalgia to any setting.